Cutting tree down in Emmaus could cost you

Emmaus council has approved an ordinance that authorizes the Emmaus Shade… (DOUGLAS KILPATRICK/THE…)

July 17, 2012

If you want to cut a tree down in Emmaus, it could cost you.

Emmaus Borough Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance that authorizes the Emmaus Shade Tree Commission to collect $200 if property owner removes a tree located within 12 feet of a curb, but does not want to replace it.

The original fee discussed by council was $450 and Councilman Brent Labenberg said he opposed it. He changed his mind, however, during Monday's meeting because the fee was less.

"I don't support the Shade Tree Commission's power telling property owners where to plant a tree or if they can cut it down," Labenberg said. "I think private owners should be able to decide whether to put a tree up or take one down."

Councilman Michael Waddell said the new ordinance allows property owners to pay the Shade Tree Commission $200 to plant a tree in another location if they don't want to replace one that is cut down.

He was concerned the lower fee would not pay for labor costs from the Department of Public Works but still supported the ordinance.

"Maybe we can use the money to replace diseased trees downtown," Waddell said.

Councilmen Brian Holtzhafer and Nathan Brown were absent from last night's meeting.